Proof about the continuity of a function of norm

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SUMMARY

The function \( f : \mathbb{R}^2 \to \mathbb{R} \) defined by \( f(x) = \left\{ \begin{matrix} \frac{|x|_2}{|x|_1} & \text{if } x \neq 0 \\ a & \text{if } x = 0 \end{matrix} \right. \) is continuous on \( \mathbb{R}^2 \setminus \{0\} \). However, there is no value of \( a \) that can make \( f \) continuous at \( x = 0 \). The limits of \( f \) approaching \( (0,0) \) yield different results depending on the path taken, confirming the discontinuity at that point.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of limits in multivariable calculus
  • Familiarity with continuity in mathematical functions
  • Knowledge of norms, specifically \( |x|_1 \) and \( |x|_2 \)
  • Basic concepts of neighborhoods in topology
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of continuity in multivariable functions
  • Learn about the implications of path-dependent limits
  • Explore the definitions and properties of \( L^1 \) and \( L^2 \) norms
  • Investigate the concept of neighborhoods in the context of topology
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, particularly those studying calculus and analysis, as well as educators seeking to understand function continuity in higher dimensions.

i_a_n
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Prove that the function $f : \mathbb{R}^2→\mathbb{R}$ defined by
$f(x)=\left\{\begin{matrix}
\frac{|x|_2}{|x|_1} , if x\neq 0 \\
a, if x = 0\end{matrix}\right.$is continuous on $\mathbb{R}^2$\{$0$} and there is no value of $a$ that makes $f$ continuous at $x = 0$.
 
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ianchenmu said:
Prove that the function $f : \mathbb{R}^2→\mathbb{R}$ defined by
$f(x)=\left\{\begin{matrix}
\frac{|x|_2}{|x|_1} , if x\neq 0 \\
a, if x = 0\end{matrix}\right.$is continuous on $\mathbb{R}^2$\{$0$} and there is no value of $a$ that makes $f$ continuous at $x = 0$.

Hello ianchenmu. Welcome to MHB.

We have $f : \mathbb{R}^2→\mathbb{R}$ defined by$f(x_1,x_2)=\left\{\begin{matrix}
\dfrac{\sqrt{x_1^2+x_2^2}}{\left|x_1\right|+\left|x_2\right|} & \mbox{ if} &(x_1,x_2)\neq (0,0) \\(a_1,a_2) &\mbox{ if}& (x_1,x_2)=(0,0) \end{matrix}\right.$

Consider $(\alpha,\beta)\neq (0,0)$ then, there exists a neigbordhood $V$ of $(\alpha,\beta)$ not containing $(0,0)$. In $V$, $f$ is continuous (the square root of a non negative continuous funtion is continuous, the absolute value of a continuous funtion is continuous, and the denominator is $\neq 0$ in $V$). We conclude that $f$ is continuous in $\mathbb{R}^2-\{(0,0)\}$.

Now, prove that $\displaystyle\lim_{(x_1,x_2)\to (0,0)}f(x_1,x_2)=1$ along the line $x_2=0$ and $\displaystyle\lim_{(x_1,x_2)\to (0,0)}f(x_1,x_2)=\sqrt{2}/2$ along the line $x_1=x_2$ which implies that there is no limit at $(0,0)$.
 
Last edited:

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